Stand for Bicycle

ABSTRACT

A stand adapted for holding a bicycle includes a base including a compartment such that a wheel of the bicycle is adapted to be received, a holding mechanism including a first end including a retaining member for abutting against the wheel that is engaged with the stand, and a second end pivotally connected to the first seat so as to connect the holding mechanism to the base, and being moveable between a first position that is erected from the base and enables the retaining member to hold the wheel, and a second position that is lain onto the base, and further including a control switch on the first end activating its change between the first and second positions, and a plurality of support legs connected to the base and with each being moveable between a first position extended from the base, and a second position retracted in the base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a stand for a bicycle and, more particularly, to a stand which is designed to be folded whenever it is desired.

2. Description of the Related Art

U.S. Pat. D372,691, entitled bicycle stand, shows a stand including two beams disposed parallel to each other and a bed disposed transverse to the beams and fixed to the beams by any attaching means. The beams and base are not able to be folded. The stand also includes a strut and a spring including a portion adapted to limit the strut to various positions providing that the strut is pivoted against the portion of spring. In this regard, the strut is limited to be pivotal in one direction. In addition, the stand is adapted to support bicycle wheels of different diametrical sizes. However, the stand suffers from a problem to be collapsed so requiring a huge packing box as well as many dividers and lots of protection materials, such as polylons, to be stuffed in unoccupied spaces in order to allow the stand to be stably packed and to prevent it from being damaged during transportation. Consequently, it not only increases the cost for packaging but also entails a less amount of stands can be delivered in a container, so an increasing number of containers is needed for each shipping and the unit cost of the stand would be high in order to reflect the cost of transportation. Unfortunately, the customers are not going to like it and, from an environmental point of view, it is not environmental friendly. Another problem is that the stand occupies a big space when in use. Yet another problem is that the stand occupies a big storage space.

The present invention is, therefore, intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a stand for a bicycle includes a base including a first seat on a first end, a second seat on a second end, and a compartment defined therebetween such that a wheel of the bicycle is adapted to be received. The stand also includes a holding mechanism including a first end including a retaining member for abutting against the wheel that is engaged with the stand, and a second end pivotally connected to the first seat so as to connect the holding mechanism to the base, and being moveable between a first position that is erected from the base and enables the retaining member to hold the wheel, and a second position that is lain onto the base, and further including a control switch on the first end activating its change between the first and second positions. The stand further includes a plurality of support legs connected to the base and with each being moveable between a first position extended from the base, and a second position retracted in the base.

It is an object of the present invention that the stand can be compact and small in size, as the holding mechanism and support legs can be folded to reduce its volume. Additionally, the holding mechanism and support legs are designed to be easy operable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stand for a bicycle in accordance with the present invention, and with the stand in an extended position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 1, and with the stand in a collapsed position.

FIG. 3 shows the stand be further collapsed from a position shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a partial, enlarged view of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows support feet in an extended position, and with the feet operable to pivot about an axis.

FIG. 8 shows the support feet in FIG. 7 in a collapsed position.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a partial, enlarged view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is another partial, enlarged view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a partial, enlarged view of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows the control switch in FIG. 10 in another position.

FIG. 15 shows the locking mechanism in FIG. 11 in another position corresponding to the position of the control switch in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an extended view of FIG. 12 and shows the locking mechanism in FIG. 13 in a released position from a stop.

FIG. 17 is an extended view of FIG. 16 and shows the holding mechanism in FIG. 12 adapted to be collapsed.

FIG. 18 shows the holding mechanism in one holding position.

FIG. 19 illustrates a bicycle has its front wheel held by the stand of the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates a bicycle has its rear wheel held by the stand of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged, side view of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, a stand for allowing a bicycle to be held and parked includes a base 10, a holding mechanism 20 and a plurality of support legs 30 connected to the base 10, respectively. The base 10 includes a first end 101, a second end 102, and a compartment 103 defined between the first 101 and second 102 ends for receiving a wheel of the bicycle engaged with the stand. The base 10 also includes a first seat 11 on the first end 101 and a second seat 12 on the second end 102, respectively. The first 11 and second 12 seats are joined by two struts 13. The struts 13 are disposed in a spaced relationship to form the compartment 103. Preferably, each strut 13 extend longitudinally in a straight line, so the compartment 103 defined by a space between the struts 13 has a constant width. Additionally, the first seat 11 includes a first side 111, a second side 112 opposite to the first side, and a support side 113 interconnecting the first 111 and second 112 sides. The support side 113 is sloped and includes a recess 1131 in which the wheel that is held by the stand engages. The recess 1131 is substantially V-shaped and defines a first section “c” with a first width and a second section “d” with a second width larger than the first width. Preferably, a bicycle such as a racing bike has a wheel width that is adapted to be appropriately received in the first section “c”, whereas a bicycle such as a mountain bike has a wheel width that is adapted to be appropriately received in the second section “d” as the first section “c” is not big enough. Likewise, the second seat 12 includes a support side 121 including a recess 1211 in which the wheel that is held by the stand engages. The support side 121 is also sloped. Additionally, the support side 121 is in different direction to the support side 131. Accordingly, the wheel held in the stand has two points of support by the support sides 121 and 131 and can be supported in a stable manner. The first seat 11 further includes a hole 1111 extending through the first side 111, and a groove 1112 defined in the first side 111 and in proximity to the hole 1111 and including a first stop 1113, a second stop 1114 and a third stop 1115 defined therein. The groove 1112 is divided into a first portion “a” and a second portion “b” connected with the first portion “a”, and each of the first “a” and second “b” portions extends in a curved line and has a substantially constant distance with respect to the hole 1111, and the second portion “b” is disposed closer to the hole 1111 than the first portion “a”. Additionally, the first stop 1113 is adjacent to a terminal end of the first portion “a” as well as being distant to the second portion “b”, and the second 1114 and third 1115 stops are defined at two terminal ends of the second portion “b”, respectively. Furthermore, the second stop 1114 is at the terminal end connecting with the first portion “a” while the third stop 1115 is at the terminal end which is distant to the first portion “a”.

Two support legs 30 are connected to the first seat 11 and of that one support leg 30 is connected to the first side 111 and disposed on the bottom thereof while the other is connected to the second side 112 of first seat 11 and disposed on the bottom thereof, respectively. Further, a cover 14 is connected to the first seat 11 by two fasteners 15 such that the two support legs 30 are sandwiched between the first seat 11 and cover 14. Additionally, these two fasteners 15 are utilized to connect the two support legs 30 to the first seat 11, respectively. Specifically, each support leg 30 includes a hole 31 defined therein, and the first seat 11 includes two orifices 114 defined therein, and one fastener 15 is extended through the hole 31 and is secured in one of the orifice 114 for such connection. Likewise, another two support legs 30 are connected to the second seat 12 and are sandwiched between another cover 14 and the second seat 12. In addition, each of the support legs 30 includes a limit 32 defined thereon, and one of the corresponding first 11 and second 12 seats includes a slot 115 that the limit 32 engages in and is limited to move between a first positioning end 1151 and a second positioning end 1152 defined thereon such that the support leg 30 is moveable between a first position that would increase the floor space of the stand so that the stand can be better supported, and a second position such that it would not result an increased floor space of the stand and overcome the problem described in the “Description of the Related Art”. In the embodiment, each of the support legs 30 is in a plane which crosses to a plane that each of the struts 13 lies when in its first position while is aligned with the length of one strut 13 when in its second position. In addition, it is contemplated that one support leg 30 connected to the first seat 11 and one support leg 30 connected to the second seat 12, and the two support legs 30 are disposed on different sides of the compartment 103 allow the stand to be supported satisfactorily too.

The holding mechanism 20 includes a first end 201 and a second end 202 connecting to the first seat 11 so that the holding mechanism 20 is connected to the base 10. Furthermore, the holding mechanism 20 is moveable between a first position that is erected from the base 10 for further supporting the wheel that is engaged with the base 10, i.e. three-point of support is attained, and a second position that is lain onto the base 10 so as to overcome the problem set forth in the “Description of the Related Art”. Preferably, the holding mechanism 20 extends longitudinally in a straight line and is lain onto the first 11 and second 12 seats after it is moved to its second position.

Upon using the holding mechanism 20 to keep the wheel in the stand, the holding mechanism 20 includes a retaining member 21 abutting against the wheel so as to hold it. The retaining member 21 is disposed on the first end 201 of holding mechanism 20 and includes a shape including two cones facing oppositely one another and joined together so that it is suitable for using with various wheel widths. Furthermore, the holding mechanism 20 includes a body 22, which is preferably hollow, extending from the first end 201 to the second 202 end of the holding mechanism 20 and connecting with the retaining member 21 at a first end thereof. The retaining member 21 is connected to the body 22 by a fastener 222 such that the fastener 222 is extended through the body 22 and is secured in the retaining member 21. The body 22 further includes a second end pivotally connected to the first seat 11 so that the holding mechanism 20 is connected to and is moveable with respect to the base 10. Specifically, the body 22 is connected to the first seat 11 by a fastener 221 such that the fastener 221 is extended through the hole 1111 in the first side 111 of first seat 11 and secured in the second side 112. The second side 112 includes a hole 1121 defined therein, and the fastener 221 is secured therein when securing the body 22 with the first seat 11. Further, a spacer 223 is disposed between the first side 111 and the body 22, so the body 22 is adapted to be rotated smoothly. Further, a sleeve 224 is inserted through the body 22, spacer 223, and hole 1111, and into which the fastener 221 is inserted. The sleeve 224 is used to facilitate the rotation of the body 22 smoothly and with less friction. Further, a bushing 225 including guiders defined thereon is retained at the first end of the body 22.

The holding mechanism 20 further includes a locking mechanism 23, a control switch 24 for controlling the locking mechanism 23, and a biasing mechanism 25. The locking mechanism 23 is disposed in the body 22 and includes a pedestal 231 retained to the second end of the body 22. The pedestal 231 includes a hole 2311 extending through the bottom thereof. The fastener 211 and sleeve 224 are not only extended through the body 22 but also through the pedestal 231, so the pedestal 23 is prevented from disengagement from the body 22. The locking mechanism 23 also includes a linkage 232 supported by the pedestal 231 and including a first end 2321 disposed in the pedestal 23, and a second end 2322 connected to the control switch 24, respectively. Consequently, the operation of the control switch 24 controls the locking mechanism 20 and activates its change between first and second positions. Preferably, the first end 2321 of linkage 232 is engaged in the hole 2311 in order to be stably supported. The linkage 232 also includes an engaging section 2323 disposed on the first end 2321 and including an aperture 2324 defined therein, and a receiving edge 2325 defined thereon. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 23 includes a positioning member 233 engaged in the aperture 2324 and movably engaged in the groove 1112 defined in the first side 111 of first seat 11, and selectively engaging with the first 1113, second 1114 and third 1115 stops. Additionally, the sleeve 224 is received in the receiving edge 2325 when the positioning member 233 is limited to move between the second 1114 and third 1115 stops, i.e., in the second portion “b” of groove 1112. Furthermore, the sleeve 224 is disengaged from the receiving edge 2325 when the positioning member 233 is shifted from the second portion “b” to the first portion “a” of groove 1112. The locking mechanism 23 further includes a resilient member 234 disposed between the engaging section 2323 and the bottom of pedestal 231.

The control switch 24 is retained to the first end of the body 22, as it is the most friendly-to-operate position for users to operate the holding mechanism 20, and includes a slit 241 extending therethrough and guiders 242 defined thereon. Specifically, the control switch 24 is prevented from disengagement from the body 22 by the fastener 222 such that the fastener 222 is extended through the slit 241. Additionally, the guiders 242 on the control switch 24 mutually engage with the same of bushing 225, respectively, to enable the control switch 24 to be stably moved with respect to the body 22. The biasing mechanism 25 includes an axle 251 retained between the first 111 and second 112 sides of first seat 11. Specifically, the axle 251 is supported on the fastener 221. The biasing mechanism 25 also includes a resilient member 252 including a plurality of coiled sections adjacent to one another and a first leg 2521 of the same retained to the support side 113 of first seat 11, and a second leg 2522 of the same retained to the body 22 of holding mechanism 20.

When the holding mechanism 20 is erected from the base 10 for holding the wheel engaged with the stand, it is limited to pivot in a range determined by the movement of the positioning member 233 between the second 1114 and third 1115 stops in the groove 1112. Also, the wheel engaged in the stand counteracts and tensions the resilient member 252 of biasing mechanism 25 and can be supported securely by the holding mechanism 20.

For collapsing the erected holding mechanism 20 to the base 10, the control switch 24 is operated to cause the receiving edge 2325 of engaging section 2323 to disengage from the sleeve 224 and the positioning member 233 to become released from the second stop 1114 and to shift away from the second portion “b” to the first portion “a” of groove 1112. Consequently, the resilient member 252 is released from tension and causes the body 22 to automatically move towards the base 10 and the positioning member 233 to move in the first portion “a” towards the first stop 1113. Furthermore, the first stop 1113 limits the positioning member 233 to prevent the holding mechanism 20 from being accidentally moved from the lie-down position to the erected position.

In view forgoing, the stand can be compact and small in size, as the holding mechanism 20 and support legs 30 can be folded to reduce its volume. Additionally, the holding mechanism 20 and support legs 30 are designed to be easy operable.

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of invention, and the scope of invention is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims. 

1. A stand adapted for holding a bicycle comprising: a base including a first seat on a first end, a second seat on a second end, and a compartment defined therebetween such that a wheel of the bicycle is adapted to be received; a holding mechanism including a first end including a retaining member for abutting against the wheel that is engaged with the stand, and a second end pivotally connected to the first seat about an axis so as to connect the holding mechanism to the base, and being moveable between a first position that is erected from the base and enables the retaining member to hold the wheel, and a second position that is lain onto the base, and further including a control switch on the first end activating its change between the first and second positions; and a plurality of support legs connected to the base and with each being moveable between a first position extended from the base, and a second position retracted in the base.
 2. The stand as claimed in claim 1 wherein the one of the first and second seats includes a groove including first, second, and third stops defined therein, with the groove divided into first and second portions connected to one another, with the first stop being adjacent to a terminal end of the first portion as well as being distant to the second portion, with the second and third stops defined at two terminal ends of the second portion respectively, and with the second stop defined at the terminal end connecting with the first portion while the third stop defined at the terminal end which is distant to the first portion, and wherein the holding mechanism includes a positioning member movably engaged in the groove and selectively engaging with the first, second and third stops, and being limited to pivot in a range determined by the movement of the positioning member between the second portion of groove when erected from the base, and being released from the second stop and shifted away from the second portion to the first portion of groove when lain on the base.
 3. The stand as claimed in claim 2 wherein the holding mechanism includes a locking mechanism operably moved by the control switch and including a pedestal retained to the second end of the holding mechanism, a linkage supported by the pedestal and including a first end disposed in the pedestal, a second end connected to the control switch respectively, and an engaging section disposed on the first end and including an aperture defined therein and a receiving edge defined thereon, and a sleeve coaxially disposed with respect to the axis and being received in the receiving edge when the positioning member is limited to move between the second portion of groove and being disengaged from the receiving edge when the positioning member is shifted from the second portion to the first portion of the groove, and wherein the positioning member is engaged in the aperture.
 4. The stand as claimed in claim 3 wherein the holding mechanism includes a biasing mechanism including an axle coaxially disposed with respect to the axis, and a resilient member including a plurality of coiled sections adjacent to one another and a first leg of the same retained to the corresponding one of first and second seats, and a second leg of the same retained to the holding mechanism.
 5. The stand as claimed in claim 4 wherein the resilient member is released from tension and causes the holding mechanism to automatically move towards the base and the positioning member to move in the first portion of groove and towards the first stop, and with the first stop limiting the positioning member to prevent the holding mechanism from being accidentally moved from the lie-down position to the erected position.
 6. The stand as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least a first of the plurality of support legs is connected to the first seat and at least a second of the plurality of support legs is connected to the second seat, and with the first and second support legs disposed on opposite sides of the compartment.
 7. The stand as claimed in claim 6 wherein one of each of the plurality of support legs and each of the first and second seats includes a limit defined thereon, and wherein the other of each of the plurality of support legs and each of the first and second seats includes a slot in which the limit engages, and wherein each support leg is moveable between the first and the second position with the limit being limited to move in the corresponding slot.
 8. The stand as claimed in claim 1 wherein the retaining member includes a shape including two cones facing oppositely one another and joined together so as to be suitable for using with various wheel widths.
 9. The stand as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the first and second seats includes a support side including a recess in which the wheel that is held by the stand engages, with the recess including a shape defining a first section with a first width and a second section with a second width larger than the first width so as to be suitable for receiving various wheel widths.
 10. The stand as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base includes two struts joining the first and second seats together, with the struts disposed in a spaced relationship and defining a space, with the compartment defined by the space, and with the space having a constant width. 